Government hasn’t been able to divide Team Anna: Medha Patkar

Even as the government is trying various methods to ‘divide’ Team Anna, it can do nothing about the agenda at hand, which is passage of the Jan Lokpal Bill, said social activist Medha Patkar during an interaction with volunteers of various organisations involved in anti-corruption movements, at St Joseph’s College of Arts and Science.

“The government has not been able to divide Team Anna on issues with regard to the Jan Lokpal Bill. Differences will crop up as we fight other issues, but we need to be able to keep egos apart and work in a democratic manner,” she said.

Answering questions from volunteers on how to take the movement forward, Patkar said, “It is important to continuously maintain dialogue with those involved — be it the government, which has to ultimately pass the bill, or the people who are affected by corruption. People still have genuine concerns with
regard to the bill as to whether the bill can actually help fight corruption. It is important to maintain dialogue on the issue.”

She added that getting the bill passed is only the first step in the entire process and those who join the movement must have the courage and commitment to make sure that the law is implemented. “Establish centres that will dig out corruption and bring it to the notice of the public so that when the bill becomes an act and even after, it is properly implemented. Be like characters from Enid Blyton’s Famous Five and Secret Seven. Dig out corruption and fight them,” she said.

“Apart from activism, we also have to bring a change in the mindset of the people, as corrupt behaviour comes from corrupt thoughts,” said Patkar.

On getting more momentum to pass the Jan Lokpal bill before the winter session of the Parliament, Patkar said that more mass movements need to be organised. “Organise signature campaigns, write letters to the ministers, initiate dialogues with local leaders,” she said.